Teaching Time Management

This is a fun mini lesson to use at the beginning of a time management unit- students are always surprised at how much time is "wasted" that could be put towards more meaningful activities. I suggest teaching time management after exploring personal values, as a student who values their Xbox over their education will see no problem with spending more time plugged into their TV then with their nose in a book. We can't change their values, and some may point out that we have little control over how they spend their time. However, we can combat this by researching the character traits of successful people, who do often value their education, and manage their time well.

*Next Step- Have students create a smart goal to improve their time management and illustrate their plan.

Readability Score Calculator

Quick and easy- assess the readibility of a text prior to assigning reading to ensure student success.

https://readability-score.com/

Mindfullness in the Classroom

Making a Case for Mindfulness in the Classroom:
Edutopia

Mindfulness Curriculum and Training Links:
Ted Talk about .b
Learning to Breath Text

Something to Look Forward to in the Future:
Planting Seeds: The Power of Mindfulness
Movie Trailer

How I Taught Mindfulness and Stress Reduction in My Class:

 

Links included in PPT:

Video Link: About Meditation

Video Link: Guided Meditation

Done Early? Free Rice!

Have students brush up on vocabulary or math skills while also earning points to feed people in need. Free Rice is a nonprofit that donates rice to the United Nations World Food Programme, for every 5 right answers, 50 grains of rice are donated. Subjects include humanities, English, math, chemistry, language learning, geography, sciences and test prep.

 

http://freerice.com/

 

Take 5

Take 5 is an area of the class designated for reflection, refocus, and/or relaxation. When implemented appropriately students come to understand that take 5 is not a punishment, nor a reward. I both allow my students to elect to take 5, in addition I also request that students take five. When I make the request I indicate if the students should:

"Take 5 and Reflect"- by filling out a reflection form for my review, used when a student is being disruptive (follows verbal warning and precedes call home).

"Take 5 and Refocus"- meaning take your work to the take 5 area and get back to the task at hand, I always make sure to check on the student's progress after 5 minutes.

"Take 5 and Relax"- used when student is wound up, or ready to explode at a peer. In this case I have the following objects for them to use when relaxing.

 

Stress ball, and a goofy stuffed animal that the kids like

 

Chill Skills, prompts in a jar by Free Spirit Publishing

 

Positive Affirmations, and Post It's so the students can record their affirmation if they wish.

 

Leadership cards from Free Spirit Publishing

 

Don't Sweat the Small Stuff for Teens by Richard Carlson

 

A Guy's Guide to Life by Jason Boyett

 

Respect, A Girls Guide.... By Courtney Macavinta & Andrea Vander Pluym

 

Mandalas and Colored Pencils

Time Lapse Video- Mandala

 

 

 

Other Options:

 

Mini Journal

 

 

Healing Crystals (though I hand these out as apposed to having them stay in the take 5 area)

 

 

Oragami (simple designs, for students who need something tactile)

 

 

Calm Jar (examples available online, tip- glue the lid on)

 

 

Mad libs

 

 

Brainteasers: Sudoku, Word Search, etc.

 

 

Rubik Cube

 

 

*When a student is in take 5 be sure to set a timer, otherwise the privilege of using the space can be abused for more then just a 5 minute re-set. Remove object from take 5, and review the rules for the space if students are not using the time appropriately. Always allow for the opportunity to earn back lost privileges.

 

 

 

Resource- Behavior Management

Link- Rob Plevin, You Tube Videos

Link- Site, Behavior Needs

Resource- Soul Pancake

"Our brain batter of art, culture, science, philosophy, spirituality and humor is designed to open your mind, challenge your friends, and feel damn good." Quote from Soul Pancake Home Page

I love Soul Pancake because it transports me directly to my happy place, delighting my senses with flamboyant visuals, inspirational videos that pull on my heart strings, and mini activities that are charming and witty.... making good on their claim Soul Pancake feels damn good! Enjoy.

• Video clips to use in the classroom (check out Kid President)
• Writing prompts for daily journal entries
• Creative activities